If you are interested in travelling, then probably you have heard of Tulum before. If not, then you are in the right place. Today, you will learn the 12 most Instagrammable places in Tulum, where is Tulum, what to do in Tulum, where to take the most liked Instagram photos in Tulum, which are the best hotels in Tulum, which places to visit in Tulum, and more. Before starting to talk about Instagrammable places, let’s learn some basic facts about the city. Where is Tulum? Tulum is located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The town is quite popular among tourists. It is one of the three most visited archaeological sites in the country. In 2017 the number of visitors reached 2.2 million, and the number of people who want to travel to Tulum increase year by year. Tulum municipality covers an area of 2040 square km, and it has an almost 30000 population. As you know, the official language of Mexico is Spanish, but there are many other local languages. What about English? English is not widely spoken in Mexico, but you can use it in most tourist places in Tulum. After getting some basics about the city and its citizens, it is time to discover the 12 most Instagrammable places in Tulum. But before, let me mention one thing, if you are serious about this travel, please check Mexico visa requirements for your nationality in the first place.
1. Sian Ka’an
The first Instagrammable destination on our list is Sian Ka’an. It means ‘Origin of the Sky’ in the Mayan language. Two main features make Sian Ka’an one of the best places in Tulum: rich biodiversity and archaeological sites. The best way to explore this heaven is guided tours because there are many dangerous animals, such as pumas, jaguars, crocodiles. Besides the wild animals, you will have a chance to observe iguanas, howler monkeys, tapirs, various bird species, etc. After exploring the forest and historical sites, you can go to rest in the lagoon and observe the marine life of Sian Ka’an. Once there, remember to take many Instagram photos to keep in your memories.
2. Tulum Ruins
What to do in Tulum? Undoubtedly, the most proper answer to this question is visiting Mayan cultural sites, and Tulum Ruins has a special place among the things to do in Tulum. Tulum was a crucial trade spot in the 13-14th century. That period is known as the most powerful time of the city-state. After the coming of the Spanish army, citizens began to abandon this city, but it still keeps its magnificence despite the invasion of those years. Is there any entrance and additional fees? There is an entrance fee, but it is a negligible amount of money to see one of the best places in Tulum, just 3-4 USD (it is free on Sundays for everyone). If you want to learn more details about the ruins, you can take part in tours for 30 USD. If you prefer to discover the area on your own, do not forget to visit and take Instagrammable images of the Temple of the Frescoes.
3. The Sistema Sac Actun
Probably, among all Instagrammable places on our list, the Sistema Sac Actun is the latest discovered one. It was discovered in 1987, and probably it is the largest remaining underwater cave system in the world (totally more than 346 kilometres). Also, in 2008 archaeologists made another discovery. They found some bones and other Palaeolithic remains, which makes this place one of the oldest human habitation spots. Take part in tours that will last almost 90 minutes to discover one of the most Instagrammable places in Tulum. Many people who travel to Tulum took their most liked photo on Instagram in the Sistema Sac Actun.
4. Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha is an archaeological site in Tulum. Mayan people called this area ‘The place where water was born’. You can go swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon or just lay and enjoy the sun. They turn this lagoon and inlet into an aquatic theme park. Xel-Ha Park is an excellent Instagrammable location that offers an unforgettable natural wildlife experience. Also, there are plenty of locations around the park to explore. If laying on a beach or swimming is not attractive to you, you can go hiking in the forest and capture plenty of Instagram photos. If your followers have a taste, one of those photos will be your most liked photo on Instagram.
5. Playa Paraiso
What about the beaches? Tulum has several public beaches, and Playa Paraiso is one of the most visited Instagrammable places among them. The white sandy beaches and pure crystal water will charm you from first sight. Also, it is very close to the Tulum Ruins. Go south from the ruins, and under the cliffs, you will discover the hidden heaven. Furthermore, it is one of the best places in Tulum for picnics. Bring some snacks and drinks and have an unforgettable picnic in front of a hypnotizing view. You will find one of the best places to stay in Tulum in Playa Paraíso. Hotel Playa Paraíso is a 4-star hotel that offers a wonderful vacation for you.
6. Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is a dream spot for diving and snorkelling, and it is just 5 km away from the city. Think about the area where you can swim in the lagoon that is surrounded by trees. Despite the outside, you can go swimming and explore the inside of the caves. It has clear water, so you will be able to see turtles. Like other areas in the city, Gran Cenote also hosted many historical events. Mayan people used Gran Cenote as a sacrifice place. Many remains, gold, and more were found by archaeologists in these cenotes. If you are creating a list of things to do in Tulum, you should add diving and snorkelling in Gran Cenote.
7. Xcaret
Still, asking what to do in Tulum? Another example of things to do in Tulum is visiting eco-park Xcaret. Just imagine the park in a jungle that is as large as 40 football stadiums. Xcaret has plenty of activities for tourists. You can swim, hike, or you can go to explore the Mayan village. The eco-park has rich flora and fauna, so if you are a nature fan, you will not feel bored here. Giant sea turtles, stingrays, macaws, monkeys, flamingos are just some of the animals that you will see. What about prices? Fees are like that: 109.99$ for adults and 54.99$ for children. It is free for infants (0-4 years). Organizers recommend bringing sun cream, a comfortable dress, and shoes with you.
8. The Tulum Beach Strip
The Tulum Beach Strip is a small road that leads you to an arch, which is access to the Sian Ka’an. Here you will see plenty of places to take your most liked photo on Instagram, such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc. Although everything is accessible on foot, you can rent a bicycle and make your journey more enjoyable. What about accommodation? Do not worry about it. They are available both on the beach and along the road.
9. Tulum Town
After discovering the ancient locations and forests, it is time to learn the modern lifestyle of residents. If you have Spanish skills, it will be much more exciting for you. Furthermore, there are many restaurants and cafes to try delicious Mexican cuisine. The town looks fascinating, especially at night. Moreover, if you want to buy souvenirs and presents for your friends, you can buy plenty of goods for an affordable price.
10. Luxury hotels in Tulum
Which are the best places to stay in Tulum? Tulum has a lot of luxury hotels to spend a wonderful vacation. Some of the best places to stay in Tulum that we can recommend are Orchid House Tulum, Jashita Hotel, La Valise Tulum, and Maka Hotel Boutique. All of these hotels in Tulum are 5-star and got a satisfaction score of over 9. Enjoy the comfort of hotels and capture Instagram photos for your followers and yourself. Because of having high standards, these hotels are not affordable for everyone but do not worry: you can choose from many hotels in Tulum for 10-50 USD per night.
11. Coba Ruins
Another potential area where you can take your most liked Instagram photos is Coba Ruins. Such as other archaeological sites in our list, it shows Mayan culture. Coba is just 45 km away from the city centre. When we compare it with the Tulum Ruins, we can say that it is an underrated site. Probably, most people overlooked Coba Ruins because it is located away from the Caribbean Sea. But If you are a fan of the Mayan culture, the sea view will not be a big issue for you. We can say that a couple of hours will be enough to discover the area and capture the most liked Instagram photos.
12. Muyil
The last example of archaeological places to visit in Tulum in our today’s blog is Muyil. Muyil is one of the favourite places of visitors that travel to Tulum. Of course, being next to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve has a role in this popularity, too. It is just 15 minutes away from the Sian Ka’an. Muyil is deep inside the jungle. The most well-known historical site in the Muyil Ruins is El Castillo, which is 17 meters high. While hiking in the forest, be quiet, because in that case, you will be able to see a howler monkey or spider monkey in the trees.
